Dorothy Margaret Overcash Memorial Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was established in 2019 in memory of Dorothy Margaret Overcash, affectionately known as Miss “O.”

Miss Overcash graduated from Worsham High School and received both Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees from Longwood College in Farmville, VA. She taught mathematics, English and reading at Handley High School in Winchester from 1946-1977, at which time she became Supervisor of Secondary Education until her retirement in 1990.

During her tenure with the Winchester Public Schools, Miss Overcash served in numerous capacities. She was the Principal’s Alternate to the Executive Council from 1949 to 1955, Co-sponsor of the Executive Council from 1955-1966; Sponsor of the Junior Red Cross from 1965 to 1969; and Co-sponsor of the Booster Club from 1969 to 1976. She was Co-sponsor of the graduating classes of 1952 and 1957. In 1981 she received the Ancil Gray Award “For Outstanding contributions to the ideals of the Judges Athletic Association.” Miss Overcash co-edited The Lengthened Shadow, a book about Dr. Garland R. Quarles, former Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools.

The Archives at John Handley High School exists today because Miss Overcash realized the importance of preserving the history of the school. Through the year she safeguarded documents and memories related to the school, hoping that someday a permanent home for these artifacts would be established. During the seventy-fifth anniversary of the school in 1998, an Archives room was named for her.

In addition to being an educator, Miss Overcash was a lover of history and preservation; she was a Director Emeritus member of the Kernstown Battlefield Association. She knitted sweaters and hats for children and tended to her flower garden with enthusiasm. Her heart was warmed each time former students crossed her path and she could reconnect with them.

The scholarship may be applied toward tuition, fees and/or books and will be divided equally between two semesters. Satisfactory academic progress must be maintained for the recipient to receive the scholarship for the second semester.

The following criteria must be met to be eligible for the Overcash Scholarship:

• Complete the scholarship application and the federal student aid application (FAFSA)
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the financial aid office
• Satisfactory academic progress of a 3.0 GPA must be maintained in the fall semester in order for the recipient to receive the spring semester award.
• Preference given to a resident of Frederick County or the City of Winchester
• Preference given to a student enrolled at the Middletown Campus
• Full-time or part-time students are eligible